Auburn Surpasses Alabama in Learfield Director’s Cup Rankings for First Time Since 2016
Auburn, Ala. – In a season marked by grit, excellence, and a resurgence across multiple athletic programs, Auburn University has accomplished a feat it hasn’t achieved in nearly a decade—finishing ahead of the University of Alabama in the final Learfield Director’s Cup standings. For the first time since 2016, the Tigers soared past the Crimson Tide in the comprehensive measure of NCAA Division I athletic success, signaling a pivotal moment in the ongoing rivalry between the two powerhouse institutions.
The Learfield Director’s Cup, administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), ranks athletic departments across all NCAA sports based on national postseason performances. Auburn’s higher placement this year is the culmination of an across-the-board improvement in varsity sports, reflecting both strategic investments and the relentless effort of coaches and student-athletes.
A Banner Year for Auburn Athletics
The 2024–25 athletic year proved to be one of the most successful in Auburn’s recent history. Signature achievements came in both high-profile and Olympic sports:
Men’s Basketball made a deep NCAA Tournament run, reaching the Elite Eight for the second time under head coach Bruce Pearl.
Baseball returned to the College World Series, showcasing one of the nation’s most potent offenses.
Women’s Gymnastics not only qualified for Nationals but placed third overall—their highest finish in program history.
Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving both finished in the top five nationally, cementing Auburn’s longstanding aquatic dominance.
Track and Field, equestrian, and women’s golf all earned top-10 national finishes.
Athletic Director John Cohen, in his third year at the helm, hailed the rankings shift as “a reflection of the incredible work ethic, culture, and passion that define Auburn Athletics.”
> “Beating Alabama in the Director’s Cup is more than a symbolic victory,” Cohen said in a press release. “It’s validation of our strategic plan and a signal to the entire collegiate sports landscape that Auburn is rising—and here to stay.”
Alabama Slips, but Rivalry Intensifies
Meanwhile, Alabama—long dominant in the Director’s Cup rankings and buoyed by its football dynasty—experienced a relatively down year by its own lofty standards. While Nick Saban’s retirement in early 2024 led to a transitional period for Alabama football, the ripple effects seemed to reach other programs as well. Several teams underperformed in postseason play, contributing to a modest but significant drop in the final standings.
Still, Alabama remains a national powerhouse, finishing only a few places behind Auburn in the rankings. Analysts expect a quick rebound, setting up what could be a renewed and intensified rivalry—not just on the gridiron, but across all sports.
Looking Ahead
For Auburn, surpassing Alabama in the Learfield Director’s Cup is not just a statistical milestone—it’s a rallying point for alumni, fans, and recruits. The message is clear: the Tigers are not content to play second fiddle in the SEC or nationally. With facility upgrades, top-tier recruiting classes, and strong leadership, Auburn is positioning itself for sustained excellence.
Head football coach Hugh Freeze, preparing for his second full season, echoed the department-wide momentum.
> “What’s happening here is special,” Freeze said. “Our entire athletic department is pushing each other to be great. Beating Bama in the Cup is just one step—we’ve got bigger goals ahead.”
Final Standings Snapshot
Auburn University – [Insert Final Rank]
University of Alabama – [Insert Final Rank]
National Champion: [Insert Overall Winner, likely Stanford or Texas]
As Auburn celebrates its return to the top tier of collegiate athletics, the entire SEC—and college sports world—takes notice. One thing is certain: the Tiger roar is getting louder.
